Newest park in Bossier is ready for 5K racers and events

When the Bossier Parish Police Jury planned a park for the southern part of the parish, the number one priority was to make it available for all types of competitive team and individual events.

At the South Bossier Park on Caplis Sligo Road, work continues on improvements and irrigation to baseball, softball, lacrosse and soccer fields. And the park has also proved to be the perfect setting for a sport that is competitive and popular as a method to raise funds for worthwhile causes and charities.

A 5K/3-mile all-grass course has already attracted runners from three states for cross country meets, including the annual event sponsored by Parkway High School that attracted more than 500 athletes. A parish-wide middle school meet was recently conducted.

If a team or fundraising group is interested in sponsoring a 5K run, Director of Parks and Recreation Warren Saucier will be happy to set up the course.

“All sponsors have to do is come to the park, sign up and run,” Saucier said.

The entire running area is mostly flat and smooth and features a short grass surface that is freshly mowed for events.

The park is set up to be spacious and viewer friendly with plenty of room along the course to stand or set up chairs for an up-close view of the participants. Modern bathroom facilities are centrally located and port-a-lets are available for large crowds. Plenty of parking space is available for visitors and supporters.

A tent area is available for vendors and race officials, and a well-equipped playground awaits small children.

South Bossier Park, also known as the William A. Lucky III Field of Dreams, is located a short 10-minute drive from the CenturyLink Center. Individuals can access the park either by taking the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway or U.S. Hwy. 71 to Sligo Rd., then a short drive to Caplis Sligo Rd.

Interested persons can also call Saucier at 318-465-8296 or email wsaucier@bossierparishla.gov for additional information.

I drive by here all the time and have never seen one single person out there. I tried to find a running trail but couldn’t. Are you saying the trail is just a path they mowed in the middle of the field?